MINI-Mandy hits Oxford
October 18th, 2009 by Richard Aucock
MINI workers in Oxford welcomed both two future production models and Business secretary Lord Mandelson.
BMW Board member Ian Robertson presented the models to Lord Mandelson, to show the BMW arm’s commitment to the UK.
‘The UK and Oxford remain at the heart of MINI and we are delighted to confirm that these new cars will be built here,’ he said.
Which is top news for workers at the plant, particularly as the 50 year old model’s popularity keeps on growing.
‘MINI has been a tremendous success story with a wide appeal around the world and is sold in over 80 countries.’
What did Mandy reckon? Good news, was his verdict. ‘The British love the MINI and the addition of two new models demonstrates BMW’s commitment to manufacturing in the UK.’
He saved special word to those who make it: ‘The exceptional skills and flexibility of the manufacturing teams across the production triangle of Oxford, Swindon and Hams Hall (which employ 5500 people) is a key factor to the success of the MINI across the world.’
How fitting that, in return, the apprentices there gave him a special MINI model they’d painted…
BMW MINI’s Dr Hedrich said ‘it was a great opportunity for Lord Mandelson to see what the future MINI family at Plant Oxford will look like and meet some of the members of the workforce who will make that future a reality.
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Tags: mandelson, MINI, oxford, production